Practical Life

This area of the curriculum lays the foundation for all other learning in the Montessori classroom. The activities of  this area, which are highly appealing to young children, develop concentration, coordination, order, and independence. When a child begins classroom work in this area, they learn skills that will be carried over throughout the work in the classroom and beyond. They will learn to carefully carry and use the materials, to work with focused attention, to complete tasks, and to follow orderly processes. The work flows from left to right and top to bottom which helps train the eyes and mind for visual tracking needed for writing and reading. 

The familiar every day items found in the Practical Life area helps the child feel more comfortable at school. It provides a link between the home and school environment, making the transition to school easier. The child’s success with this work instills a secure sense of self.  The child will learn Care of Self, Care of Environment, Grace and Courtesy, Control of Movement.